Date: 2007/01/17
Speaker: Bas Kooijman
Title: DEB-based body mass spectra for planktontic consumers

  The body mass spectrum of consumers can in principle be derived on
  the basis of the Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory using the
  assumptions of steady state in homogeneous environments, prey size
  selection that is linked to the body size of the predator and an
  exponential frequency distribution of maximum body sizes. The intra-
  and inter-specific scaling relationships of the DEB theory convert
  this frequency distribution into a body-mass-specific abundance via
  a structure-specific abundance. We can evaluate the age-dependent
  growth, reproduction and survival patterns, and the number of
  trophic levels as functions of nutrient recycling and nutrient load.
  I will discuss progress so far.